Engineering Mechanics, BS
After summer 2027, admissions for our engineering mechanics major will close. Instead, consider exploring our new Aerospace Engineering, BS.
As an engineering mechanics major, you will design, measure and analyze complex structures of everything from networks of human cells and novel nanoscale materials to roller coasters and spacecraft. Your education will prepare you for careers in a wide variety of fields, including health, clean energy, space exploration and many more, and you’ll be part of a community that supports your success during your degree and as you launch your career!
Design your academic journey
The major
Your primary field of study, which defines your core technical curriculum and the degree you earn.
Sample Degree/Major Plan
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CHEM 109
– Advanced General Chemistry 5
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MATH 221
– Calculus And Analytic Geometry 1 5
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Communications A
3
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E M A 200 OR M E 201 OR Liberal Studies Elective 3
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E M A 201
– Statics 3
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MATH 222
– Calculus And Analytic Geometry 2 4
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M E 231
– Geometric Modeling For Design And Manufacturing 3
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M S & E 350
– Introduction To Materials Science 3
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M E 201 OR Liberal Studies Elective 3
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MATH 234
– Calculus–functions Of Several Variables 4
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PHYSICS 202
– General Physics 5
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E M A 202
– Dynamics 3
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COMP SCI 220
– Data Science Programming I 4
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INTEREGR 275
– Technical Presentations 2
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MATH 320
– Linear Algebra And Differential Equations 3
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STAT 324
– Introduction To Statistics For Science And Engineering 3
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M E 361
– Thermodynamics 3
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E M A 303
– Mechanics Of Materials 3
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E M A/M E 307
– Mechanics Of Materials Lab 1
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Liberal Studies Elective
3
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E M A 506
– Advanced Mechanics Of Materials I 3
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E M A 542 OR 545 3
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MATH 321
– Applied Mathematical Analysis 1: Vector And Complex Calculus 3
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Technical Elective
3
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INTEREGR 397
– Engineering Communication 3
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Liberal Elective
3
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E M A 405
– Practicum In Finite Elements 3
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E C E 376 OR PHYSICS 321 OR E C E 230 3
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M E 363 OR CIV ENGR 310 3
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E M A/E P 471
– Intermediate Problem Solving For Engineers 3
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Technical Elective
2
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E M A 469
– Design Problems In Engineering 3
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E M A 521
– Aerodynamics 3
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EMA Elective
3
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Experimental Mechanics Course
3
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Liberal Studies Elective
3
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E M A 569
– Senior Design Project 3
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EMA Elective
3
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EMA Elective
3
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M E 364
– Elementary Heat Transfer 3
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Liberal Studies Elective
3
An accelerated engineering master’s program is a great choice if you’d like to earn your master’s degree by adding as little as a single year of study at UW-Madison.
Value and costs
Based on an average of 12-18 credits per semester for the 2025-26 academic year from bursars office tuition rates workbook.
Tuition is one part of the overall cost of attendance at UW-Madison. For more information on the cost of attendance, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Wisconsin resident
$7,683
Minnesota reciprocity
$10,346
Non-resident
$23,695
Non-resident international
$24,195
Scholarships
Our scholarships aren’t just about financial support; they’re about investing in your potential and helping you focus on what matters most: your education and your future as a leader in engineering.
US Dollars 4.4MMillion
scholarships awarded
1,200
undergrad recipients
1,550Plus
scholarships awarded, made possible by the generous support of donors
Outcomes
Here’s what life after graduation could look like for you.
$81,000
FIRST-YEAR MEDIAN SALARY
Key employers
- ATA Engineering
- Lockheed Martin
- Sargent & Lundy
- SpaceX
- Sub Zero Group, Inc.
Common job titles
- Instrumentation and Controls Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Mechanical Design Engineer
- Propulsion Test Engineer
- Test Engineer
Freshman
Starting college for the first time?
Transfer student
Coming from another college or university?
Cross-campus student
Already at UW–Madison?
Reentry student
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As an undergrad, you can help pioneer new knowledge or technologies on your own or as a researcher in a professor’s lab. It’s a great opportunity to apply what you’re learning in class, explore a field or topic that interests you, and gain insight into what it’s like to be a graduate student.
Undergraduate research
Explore, get involved, try new things and soak up everything our campus and the surrounding environs have to offer.
Student life
The College of Engineering offers services specifically for engineering students, in addition to the services offered campus-wide.
Student services
Our eight renowned academic departments form the heart and personality of our college.
Life as a Badger engineer
See what it’s actually like to live, learn and grow here through the stories of the people who know us best.
“As a university leading in research and innovation, UW Madison offers ample opportunity for undergraduate students to dive right into the world of engineering research. With my time in the Laboratory of Energy Transport and Storage, I not only have gotten to apply what I have learned in my classes in a real-world setting, but I have also learned skills far beyond what is covered in typical coursework. From brazing to electrical wiring, and even obtaining HVAC certification, it seems as if every day I am gaining some wild new skill I can add to my engineering toolbelt!”
Why should you choose UW-Madison for engineering? Find out what it’s like to major in engineering mechanics.
Negrut honored for global impact
On April 29, 2026, Grainger Dean Devesh Ranjan hosted a celebration at which he recognized engineering faculty and staff for…
Read the Full Story
13
undergraduate ranking among public universities in mechanical engineering
The B.S. in Engineering Mechanics is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Engineering Mechanics and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics
We recognize that our graduates will choose to use the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their undergraduate years to pursue a wide variety of career and life goals, and we encourage this diversity of paths. Whatever path our graduates may choose, we expect them to be meeting the following objectives at least three to five years after graduation:
- Exhibit strong performance and continuous development in problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and communication, initially applied to engineering mechanics, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence.
- Demonstrate continuing commitment to, and interest in their training and education, as well as those of others.
- Transition seamlessly into a professional environment and make continuing, well-informed career choices.
- Contribute to their communities.
Note: Undergraduate Student Outcomes, number of degrees conferred, and enrollment data are made publicly available at the Engineering Mechanics Undergraduate Program website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are available through the "Learning Outcomes" tab.)
Learning Outcomes
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Degrees:
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Conferred, 2024-2025
Bachelor of Science, Engineering Mechanics: 29
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Enrolled, Fall 2025
Bachelor of Science, Engineering Mechanics: 231
Still exploring?
We have 13 engineering undergrad majors—so you can find the field that’s the best fit for you (even if you decide to switch later).